A decade after Michelle Payne became the first woman to win Australia’s most iconic race, Jamie Melham has now etched her name into racing history as the second, guiding Half Yours to a memorable victory in the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
It marked the 19th Group 1 triumph for one of the nation’s most recognised jockeys, while Half Yours became the 13th galloper to complete the illustrious Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup double.
“What just happened? Oh my god!” was Melham’s immediate reaction. “I’ve had an amazing year. I got married, had some really great days on the track, but nothing ever, ever compares to this feeling right now.”
Half Yours ($9) surged clear to score by 2¾ lengths over Goodie Too Shoes ($41), denying Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien a third Melbourne Cup crown. Middle Earth ($26) improved sharply over the extended trip to finish a further 1½ lengths away in third.
Prepared by father-and-son trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the victory fulfilled a lifelong ambition, particularly for Tony, who now proudly holds the trophies of Victoria’s three premier races.
His breakthrough Cox Plate win with Fields Of Omagh in 2003 now sits alongside Half Yours’ Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup triumphs in 2025.
“I lost sight of him when that leader went out,” Tony admitted, referencing $61 outsider Land Legend who opened up a ten-length margin mid-race.
“My eyes aren’t as good as they were and I caught him ducking back to the inside. What a thrill and what a horse he is, and what a joy he is for us.”
Race favourite and highly regarded French raider Prestige Nocturne ($5.50) faded to finish 19th.
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